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Abstract:

A monitoring system includes at least one light sensor, at least one
fastener and at least one controller. The light sensor is configured to
detect light emitted by an operation lamp. The fastener wraps around the
operation lamp, and it includes a light-shielding body. The
light-shielding body has an accommodation groove and an inner surface.
The inner surface is adjacent to the operation lamp. The accommodation
groove is concavely formed at the inner surface. The light sensor is
accommodated in the accommodation groove. The controller is electrically
connected with the light sensor for determining a status of the machine
according to the light detected by the light sensor.

Claims:

1. A monitoring system for monitoring at least one machine, wherein each
of the at least one machine has an operation lamp, the operation lamp is
for emitting light at least when the machine is under operation, the
monitoring system comprising: at least one light sensor configured to
detecting the light emitted by the operation lamp; at least one fastener
wrapping around the operation lamp, the fastener comprising a
light-shielding body, wherein the light-shielding body has an
accommodation groove and an inner surface, the inner surface is adjacent
to the operation lamp, the accommodation groove is concavely formed at
the inner surface, and the light sensor is accommodated in the
accommodation groove; and at least one controller electrically connected
with the light sensor for determining a status of the machine according
to the light detected by the light sensor.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: at
least one flexible structure disposed between the fastener and the lamp.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the light sensor
comprises: a photoresistor for changing resistance in view of the
brightness of the operation lamp of the machine; and a variable resistor
serially connected with the photoresistor.

4. The monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: at
least one relay, wherein the number of the controller is plural, the
controllers are electrically connected with the relay; and a server
electrically connected with the relay.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: at
least one wireless access point, wherein the number of the controller is
plural, the controllers are connected with the wireless access point
wirelessly; and a server electrically connected with the wireless access
point.

6. The monitoring system according to claim 1, further comprising: a
range finder configured to generate a signal based on a distance between
the range finder and a tool of the machine; a deficiency determination
unit electrically connected to the range finder to determine a deficiency
of the tool based on the signal; and a lamp controller electrically
connected to the deficiency determination unit to change an optical
property of the light emitted by the operation lamp based on the
determined deficiency of the tool.

7. The monitoring system of claim 6, further comprising: a tool holder
configured to hold the tool, wherein one of the tool holder and the range
finder is movable with respect to another of the tool holder and the
range finder.

8. The monitoring system of claim 7, further comprising: a stator
surrounding the tool holder or surrounded by the tool holder, wherein the
range finder is stationary with respect to the stator, and wherein the
tool holder is rotatable with respect to the stator.

9. The monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the range finder emits a
light beam substantially along a radial direction or an axial direction
of the stator.

10. The monitoring system of claim 8, further comprising: a rotation
controller electrically connected to the tool holder to rotate the tool
holder such that a plurality of the tools of the machine are sequentially
moved to a position on a traveling path of a light beam emitted from the
range finder.

11. The monitoring system of claim 7, further comprising: a rotor
surrounding the tool holder or surrounded by the tool holder, wherein the
range finder is stationary with respect to the rotor, and wherein the
rotor is rotatable with respect to the tool holder.

12. The monitoring system of claim 11, wherein the range finder emits a
light beam substantially along a radial direction or an axial direction
of the rotor.

13. The monitoring system of claim 11, further comprising: a rotation
controller electrically connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor such
that a traveling path of a light beam emitted from the range finder is
moved to a plurality of the tools of the machine sequentially.

14. The monitoring system of claim 7, further comprising: an elevating
device configured to elevate the range finder with respect to the tool
holder.

15. The monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the range finder is
configured to output a digital signal based on whether a light beam
emitted by the range finder is blocked, and wherein the deficiency
determination unit is configured to determine the deficiency of the tool
based on the digital signal.

16. The monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the range finder is
configured to output an analog signal based on the distance between the
range finder and the tool when a light beam emitted by the range finder
is blocked by the tool, and wherein the deficiency determination unit is
configured to determine the deficiency of the tool based on the analog
signal.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/191,445 filed on Feb. 27, 2014, which was
based on, and claims priority from, Taiwan Patent Application Serial
Number 102110333, filed Mar. 22, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirely.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a monitoring system and, in particular, to
a monitor system for monitoring the operation status of a machine.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] In modern factories, CNC (computer numerical control) machines have
become indispensable tools for accomplishing various machining operations
such as cutting or drilling.

[0006] A factory may have tens of, or even hundreds of, CNC machines. For
monitoring the operation status of each CNC machine, for example, whether
the CNC machine is under operation or not, each CNC machine may be
installed with a monitoring program for generating data reflecting the
operation status of the machine. The CNC machine may provide the
above-mentioned data to the administrator of the factory by connecting to
a server via an interface.

[0007] However, the monitoring programs installed in CNC machines of
different venders are different. Therefore, if machines from different
venders (such as 10 different venders) are within the same factory, the
manufacturer must purchase different monitoring programs (such as 10
different programs), which no doubt increases costs.

SUMMARY

[0008] In view of the above, the present disclosure provides a monitoring
system that can monitor the operation statuses of different machines by
light sensing. Therefore, costs are reduced significantly since it is not
necessary to purchase different monitoring programs for machines from
different venders.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, a monitoring system
can be used to monitor at least one machine. The machine has an operation
lamp. The operation lamp is for emitting light at least when the machine
is under operation. The monitoring system includes at least one light
sensor, at least one fastener and at least one controller. The light
sensor is configured to detect light emitted by the operation lamp. The
fastener wraps around the operation lamp, and it includes a
light-shielding body. The light-shielding body has an accommodation
groove and an inner surface. The inner surface is adjacent to the
operation lamp. The accommodation groove is concavely formed at the inner
surface. The light sensor is accommodated in the accommodation groove.
The controller is electrically connected with the light sensor for
determining a status of the machine according to the light detected by
the light sensor.

[0010] Since the operation lamp of the machine emits light when the
machine is under operation, the monitoring system can use the light
sensor to sense the brightness of the operation lamp of the machine to
obtain whether the machine is under operation or not. Since it is only
necessary to sense the brightness of the operation lamp of the machine,
there is no need to purchase monitoring programs of different venders.
Therefore, costs are reduced significantly.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are by examples, and are intended
to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention can be more fully understood by reading the following
detailed description of the embodiment, with reference made to the
accompanying drawings as follows:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the monitoring system
according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an architecture diagram of the monitoring system
according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram of the fastener and the
light sensor according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective diagram showing the fastener and
the light sensor according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram between the light sensor and the
controller according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram between the light sensor and the
controller according to still another embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram between the light sensor and the
controller according to still another embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a system block diagram of the monitoring system according
to another embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system of detecting the tools of the
machine.

[0022] FIG. 10 to FIG. 16 are perspective views of systems of detecting a
deficiency of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of
the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the
drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the monitoring system
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the
monitoring system according to the embodiment may include at least one
light sensor 100, at least one controller 200, at least one relay (such
as NPort®) 500, a switch 600 and a server 700. The light sensors 100
may be electrically connected to the same controller 200, and transmit
the sensing signals generated respectively to the controller 200. The
controllers 200 may be electrically connected to the relay 500. The relay
500 may be electrically connected to the server 700 via the switch 600.
With this arrangement, an administrator can obtain the sensing signal of
the light sensors 100 and the determination results of the controllers
200 via the server 700 to know the operation status of each machine.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an architecture diagram of the monitoring system
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, each
machine 300 has an operation lamp 310. The operation lamp 310 is for
emitting light when the machine 300 is under an operation status.
Specifically speaking, when the operation status of the machine 300 is
under operation, the operation lamp emits light, and when the operation
status of the machine 300 is not under operation, the operation lamp 310
does not emit light. That is, the emission of light of the operation lamp
310 is synchronized with the operation of the machine 300. The light
sensor 100 is disposed at the operation lamp 310. The light sensor 100
sends the sensing signal according to the brightness of the operation
lamp 310 of the machine 300. That is, the light sensor 100 sends the
sensing signal when the operation lamp 310 of the machine 300 emits light
due to the operation of the machine 300. The controller 200 is
electrically connected to the light sensor 100 for determining the
operation status of the machine 300 based on the sensing signal sent form
the light sensor 100.

[0026] The emission of light of the operation lamp 310 is synchronized
with the operation of the machine 300 to avoid industrial safety issues.
Based on such characteristic, the monitoring system may use the light
sensor 100 to sense the brightness of the operation lamp 310 of the
machine 300 to obtain whether the operation status of the machine 300 is
under operation or not under operation. Since it is only necessary for
the embodiment to sense the brightness of the operation lamp 310 of the
machine 300, there is no need to purchase monitoring programs from the
venders of the machines 300 respectively. Therefore, costs are reduced
significantly.

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 may
include a plurality of connecting ports 202. The light sensors 100 may be
electrically connected to the connecting ports 202 of the controller 200
respectively, and send sensing signals to the controller 200
respectively, for the controller 200 to determine the operation status of
each machine 300. In other works, in the embodiment of the invention, one
controller 200 may monitor multiple machines 300 via multiple light
sensors 100. Therefore, the problem that in a conventional monitoring
system one controller can only monitor one machine 300 due to the
compatibility of the monitoring program can be overcome. In some
embodiment, the machines 300 may be CNC machines, but the invention is
not limited therein.

[0028] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring system may
selectively include at least one fastener 400. The fastener 400 is
disposed at the operation lamp 310, and the light sensor 100 is disposed
at the fastener 400. As a result, since the light sensor 100 is fastened
on the operation lamp 310 via the fastener 400, it will not be detached
from the operation lamp 310. In some embodiments, the fastener 400 wraps
around the operation lamp 310. In a greater detail, the fastener 400 may
have a ring-shaped structure so that the fastener 400 can be disposed
tightly around the operation lamp 310 tightly to help fasten the light
sensor 100. In some embodiments, the operation lamp 310 has columnar body
so that the fastener 400 can be disposed tightly thereon. For example,
the shape of the operation lamp 310 may be a cylinder, an oval cylinder
or a prism, and the structure of the fastener 400 may vary in view of the
shape of the operation lamp 310, the invention is not limited therein.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram of the fastener 400 and
the light sensor 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 3, the fastener 400 includes a light-shielding body 410 and
a ring-shaped portion 420. The ring-shaped portion 420 may be used to be
disposed tightly around the operation lamp 310 (please refer in FIG. 2).
The light-shielding body 410 is disposed at a portion of the ring-shaped
portion 420. The light-shielding body 410 has an inner surface 412 and an
accommodation groove 414. The inner surface 412 of the light-shielding
body 410 is adjacent to the operation lamp 310 (please refer to FIG. 2).
That is, when the fastener 400 is disposed around the operation lamp 310,
the inner surface 412 of the fastener 400 is shielded and is not exposed
to the outside. The accommodation groove 414 is concavely formed at the
inner surface 412 of the light-shielding body 401. The light sensor 100
may be accommodated in the accommodation groove 414.

[0030] Since the inner surface 412 of the fastener 400 is not exposed to
the outside when the fastener 400 is disposed around the operation lamp
310, the accommodation groove 414 and the light sensor 100 accommodated
therein are not exposed to the outside, either. Therefore, the
environmental light outside the light-shielding body 410 can be shielded
by the light-shielding body 410, so that the light sensor 100 is capable
of receiving the light emitted by the operation lamp 310 only (please
refer to FIG. 2) and is not affected by the environmental light. In some
embodiments, the shape and size of the light sensor 100 conform to those
of the accommodation groove 414, so that the light sensor can be fitted
in the accommodation groove 414.

[0031] In some embodiments, the light sensor 100 has a first surface 102
and a second surface 104 opposite to the first surface 102. When the
fastener 400 is disposed around the operation lamp 310 (please refer to
FIG. 2), the first surface 102 may be adjacent to the operation lamp 310
to receive the light from the operation lamp 310. The second surface 104
opposite to the first surface may be embedded into the accommodation
groove 414 of the light-shielding body 410 so that it is not affected by
the environmental light.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective diagram showing the fastener 400
and the light sensor 100 according to another embodiment of the
invention. The difference between the present embodiment and those shown
in FIG. 3 is that the present embodiment further includes a flexible
structure 430. The flexible structure 430 is disposed between the
fastener 400 and the operation lamp 310 (please refer to FIG. 2).
Specifically speaking, the flexible structure 430 is positioned at the
inner side of the ring-shaped portion 420. When the ring-shaped portion
420 is disposed tightly around the operation lamp 310 (please refer to
FIG. 2), the flexible structure 430 is sandwiched between the ring-shaped
portion 420 and the operation lamp 310 to provide a buffer using its
flexible characteristic and help the ring-shaped portion 420 to be
disposed tightly around the operation lamp 310. In some embodiments, the
shape and size of the flexible structure 430 are the same to those of the
ring-shaped portion 420.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram between the light sensor 100 and the
controller 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in
FIG. 5, the controller 200 is electrically connected with the node P of
the circuit of the light sensor 100. Therefore the voltage of the node P
can be output to the controller 200 as the sensing signal. The light
sensor 100 may include a photoresistor 110. The resistance of the
photoresistor 110 may be changed according to the brightness of the
operation lamp 310 of the machine 300. Specifically speaking, the
resistance of the photoresistor 110 is related to the brightness of the
received light. Therefore, the voltage of the node P changes along with
the change of the brightness of the operation lamp 310, and the
controller 200 can determine the operation status of the machine 300
according to the voltage of the node P received (please refer to FIG. 2).
In other embodiments, the light sensor 100 may be other light-sensitive
device other than the photoresistor 110, such as a photointerrupter. The
inventor is not limited therein.

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the controller may include
a sensing signal determining unit 210. The sensing signal determining
unit 210 may be used to determine whether the operation status of the
machine 300 (please refer to FIG. 2) is under operation when the sensing
signal (that is, the voltage of the node P) is of a high level.
Specifically speaking, when the voltage of the node P conforms to the
high level of the controller 200, the sensing signal determining unit 210
can determine that the machine 300 is under operation.

[0035] Practically, even when the machine 300 is under operation, the
brightness of the operation lamp 310 may be reduced due to long-time
operation, which results in that the voltage of the node P does not reach
the high level of the controller 200 and thus the controller 200 cannot
determine whether the machine 300 is under operation correctly. In view
of this, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the light sensor 100
may selectively include a variable resistor 120. The variable resistor
120 may be serially connected at the photoresistor 110. As a result, the
user may change the ratio of the resistance between the variable resistor
120 and the photoresistor 110 by adjusting the resistance of the variable
resistor 120 to adjust the voltage of the node P to facilitate the
determination of the controller 200. For example, the user can increase
the resistance of the variable resistor 120 to raise the voltage of the
node P. In this way even when the brightness of the operation lamp 310 is
reduced, the voltage of the node P may still reach the high level of the
controller 200 to assist the controller 200 to determine the operation
status of the machine 300 correctly.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring system may
selectively include at least one light-emitting diode 810. The
light-emitting diode 810 is electrically connected with the controller.
The light-emitting diode 810 is used to emit light when the controller
determines that the operation status of the machine 300 is under
operation. That is, the light-emitting diode 810 emits light as long as
the controller 200 determines that the operation status of the machine
300 is under operation. To the contrary, the light-emitting diode 810
does not emit light as long as the controller 200 determines that the
operation status of the machine 300 is not under operation. Therefore,
when the user observes that the operation lamp 310 emits light but the
light-emitting diode does not emit light, the user can understand that
the brightness of the operation lamp 310 may be insufficient, which
causes the voltage of the node P to be insufficient to reach the high
level of the controller 200 and thus the false determination of the
controller 200. Afterward, the user can adjust the resistance of the
variable resistor 120 so that the light emitting diode 810 and the
operation lamp 310 emit light simultaneously to ensure that the
determination of the controller 200 is correct.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the controller 200 may
further include a sensing signal collecting unit 220. The sensing signal
collecting unit 220 is electrically connected with the sensing signal
determining unit 210. The sensing signal collecting unit 220 may collect
multiple sensing signals sent from the light sensor 100 at multiple time
points within a period of time. As long as one sensing signal is of a
high level, it informs the sensing signal determining unit 210 to
determine that the operation status of the machine 300 is under
operation.

[0038] For example, if the sensing signal sent from the light sensor 100
at 7:00 is of a high level, the sensing signal sent at 7:01 is of a low
level, the sensing signal sent at 7:02 is of a low level, and the sensing
signal sent at 7:03 is of a high level, since at least one of the sensing
signal between 7:00 and 7:03 is of a high level, the sensing signal
determining unit 210 can determine that the operation status of the
machine 300 (please refer to FIG. 2) between 7:00 and 7:03 is under
operation.

[0039] As a result, the monitoring system mentioned above can be used
effectively with a machine 300 having a blinking operation lamp 310.
Specifically, in some embodiments, when the machine 300 is under
operation, the operation lamp 310 does not emit light constantly but is
blinking. Although the light sensor 100 cannot provide sensing signals of
a high level at certain time points, since the sensing signal collecting
unit 220 can collect the sensing signals sent from the light sensor 100
at multiple time points, it can inform the sensing signal determining
unit 210 to determine that the operation status of the machine 300 is
under operation as long as at least one sensing signal is of a high
level. In this way, possible false determinations caused by the blinking
lamp can be avoided.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram between the light sensor 100 and the
controller 200 according to still another embodiment of the invention.
The main difference between the present embodiment and that shown in FIG.
5 is that the present embodiment may selectively include an amplifier
820. The amplifier 820 is electrically connected between the light sensor
100 and the controller 200. The amplifier 820 is used to amplify the
sensing signal sent from the light sensor 100 to the controller 200. In
this way, the amplifier 820 can prevent the signal attenuation issue
caused by the long distance between the light sensor 100 and the
controller 200. In other words, the amplifier 820 is helpful for
extending the distance between the light sensor 100 and the controller
200.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram between the light sensor 100 and the
controller 200 according to still another embodiment of the invention.
The main difference between the present embodiment and that shown in FIG.
5 is that the present embodiment may further include a level converter
830. The level converter 830 is electrically connected between the light
sensor 100 and the controller 200. The level converter 830 is used to
increase the difference between the high level and the low level of the
controller 200. Since the level converter 830 can increase the difference
between the high level and the low level of the controller 200, the
controller 200 is less sensitive regarding the determination of the
sensing signal. Therefore, even when the signals are attenuated between
the light sensor 100 and the controller 200 due to long distance, the
controller does not make false determination. Therefore, the level
converter 830 is helpful for extending the distance between the light
sensor 100 and the controller 200.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a system block diagram of the monitoring system according
to another embodiment of the invention. The main difference between the
present embodiment and that shown in FIG. 1 is that in the present
embodiment a wireless access point 900 is used to replace the relay 500
in FIG. 1. Specifically speaking, the controller 200 can wirelessly
connect to the wireless access point 900. The wireless access point 900
can electrically connect to the server 700 via the switch 600. The
transmission specification of the wireless access point 900 may be Wi-Fi,
Zigbee, or other RF signal transmission specification. The invention is
not limited therein.

[0043] The monitoring system according to the above embodiments use the
light sensor 100 to sense the brightness of the operation lamp 310 of the
machine 300 to obtain whether the operation status of the machine 300 is
under operation or not under operation. Since it is only necessary to
sense the brightness of the operation lamp 310 of the machine 300, it is
not necessary to purchase monitoring programs of different venders of
different machines 300. Therefore, costs are reduced significantly.

[0044] In some embodiments, a deficiency of a tool of the machine 300 can
be detected by the monitoring system. Reference can be made to FIG. 9,
which is a block diagram of a system of detecting the tools of the
machine 300. In FIG. 9, the system includes a range finder 1000, a
deficiency determination unit 1010, a lamp controller 1020 and a storage
1030. The range finder 1000 can be configured to detect the deficiency of
the tool of the machine in a manner of distance measurement. In
particular, the range finder 1000 is capable of measuring the distance
between the tool and the range finder 1000 by a light beam. Since the
deficiency of the tool can be detected by distance measurement, rather
than by image capturing, vibration detecting or temperature detecting,
some disadvantages caused by image capturing, vibration detecting or
temperature detecting can be prevented.

[0045] The range finder 1000 can be a laser range finder that emits a
laser beam toward the tool of the machine and receives the reflected
laser beam from the tool. The range finder 1000 can generate a signal
based on the difference between the emitted laser beam and the reflected
laser beam. The deficiency determination unit 1010 is electrically
connected to the range finder 1000 to determine the deficiency of the
tool based on the signal from the range finder 1000. The signal generated
by the range finder 1000 can be transmitted to the deficiency
determination unit 1010. The signal corresponds to the measured distance
data. The storage 1030 stores a predetermined distance data corresponding
to the distance between a tool without deficiency and the range finder
1010. The storage 1030 is electrically connected to the deficiency
determination unit 1010, so that the deficiency determination unit 1010
can obtain the predetermined distance data from the storage 1030, can
compare the measured distance data with the predetermined distance data,
and can determine the deficiency of the tool based on the difference
between the measured distance data and the predetermined distance data.

[0046] The lamp controller 1020 is electrically connected to the
deficiency determination unit 1010 and the operation lamp 310, so that
the lamp controller 1020 can change an optical property of the light
emitted by the operation lamp 310 based on the determined deficiency of
the tool. For example, the lamp controller 1020 can change the
wavelength, the brightness or the polarization state of the light emitted
by the operation lamp 310. The light sensor 100 can detect variation of
the light emitted by the operation lamp 310 and can transmit the sensing
signal corresponding to the variation to the controller 200. Therefore,
the administrator can be informed about the deficiency of the tool of the
machine 300 in time. The lamp controller 1020 and the controller 200 in
the foregoing embodiments may be two individual controllers or may be
integrated in a single controller.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 10, the system includes a range finder 1100 and a tool
holder 1300. The tool holder 1300 holds a plurality of tools T thereon.
One of the tool holder 1300 and the range finder 1100 is movable with
respect to another of the tool holder 1300 an the range finder 1100, so
that the range finder 1100 can detect the tools T respectively and
sequentially. When one of the tools T has a deficiency that is detected
by the range finder 1100, the lamp controller 1020 (See FIG. 9) can
change the optical property of the light emitted by the operation lamp
(See FIG. 2).

[0048] In some embodiments, the system further includes a stator 1400 and
a rotation controller 1500. The stator 1400 surrounds the tool holder
1300. The tool holder 1300 is electrically connected to the rotation
controller 1500 and can rotate under control of the rotation controller
1500, so that the tool holder 1300 is rotatable with respect to the
stator 1400. The range finder 1100 is stationary on the stator 1400. In
such a configuration, the tool holder 1300 is rotatable with respect to
the range finder 1100, and therefore, the range finder 1100 can detect
the tools T respectively and sequentially when the tool holder 1300
rotates. In a greater detail, when the tool holder 1300 rotates such that
one of the tools T is moved to block the laser beam emitted by the range
finder 1100, the range finder 1100 can output an analog signal based on
the distance between the range finder 1100 and the tool T, and the
deficiency determination unit 1010 (See FIG. 9) can determine the
deficiency based on the analog signal. For example, the analog signal may
be analog voltage correlating to the distance between the range finder
1100 and the tool T, and the deficiency determination unit 1010 may
determine the deficiency of the tool T based on the difference between
the analog voltage generated by the range finder 1100 and the
predetermined analog voltage stored in the storage 1030 (See FIG. 9).

[0049] In some embodiments, the stator 1400 includes a fixture 1410 and an
annular structure 1420. The fixture 1410 is fixed on an annular surface
of the annular structure 1420. The range finder 1100 is fixed on the
fixture 1410. As such, the range finder 1100 can be stationary with
respect to the stator 1400. In other words, both the range finder 1100
and the stator 1400 are static relative to the tool holder 1300. The
range finder 1100 has a laser source 1110. The laser source 1110 emits a
laser beam along a relatively constant direction because the range finder
1100 is static relative to the tool holder 1300. More particularly, the
annular structure 1420 of the stator 1400 has a radial direction R. The
laser source 1110 of the range finder 1100 emits the laser beam
substantially along the radial direction R, and the tool holder 1300 is
rotatable about a central axis of the annular structure 1420 of the
stator 1400. As such, when the tool holder 1300 rotates, all of the tools
T can be sequentially moved to a position on a traveling path of the
laser beam, so that all of the tools T can be detected. In some
embodiments, the annular structure 1420 of the stator 1400 has an opening
O. The opening O may benefit replacement of the deficient tool T. For
example, the deficient tool T can be removed from the tool holder 1300
and the machine 300 (See FIG. 2) through the opening O when the tool
holder 1300 rotates. The deficient tool T is moved to the position
exposed by the opening O, and then, another tool T can be put into the
machine 300 and on the tool holder 1300 through the opening O. Thus, the
replacement of the deficient tool T can be achieved.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
The main difference between this embodiment and which is shown in FIG. 10
is that: the system includes a rotor 1600 surrounding the tool holder
1300. The range finder 1100 is disposed on the rotor 1600. The rotor 1600
is electrically connected to the rotation controller 1500a and can rotate
under control the rotation controller 1500a, so that the rotor 1600 is
rotatable with respect to the tool holder 1300. In such a configuration,
the range finder 1100 is rotatable with respect to the tool holder 1300,
and therefore, the range finder 1100 can detect the tools T held on the
tool holder 1300 sequentially when the rotor 1600 rotates. In a greater
detail, when the rotor 1600 rotates such that the range finder 1100 is
moved circumferentially, the range finder 1100 can emit the laser beam to
different tools T sequentially. In other words, the rotor 1600 is rotated
such that a traveling path of the laser beam emitted from the range
finder 1100 is moved to different tools T sequentially. When the laser
beam is blocked by one of the tools T, the range finder 1100 can output
an analog signal based on the distance between the range finder 1100 and
the tool T.

[0051] In some embodiments, the rotor 1600 includes a fixture 1610 and an
annular structure 1620. The fixture 1610 is fixed on an annular surface
of the annular structure 1620. The range finder 1100 is fixed on the
fixture 1610. As such, the range finder 1100 can be stationary with
respect to the rotor 1600. In other words, both the range finder 1100 and
the rotor 1600 are rotatable with respect to the tool holder 1300, so
that the tools T can be sequentially detected by the range finder 1100
when the rotor 1600 rotates.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
The main difference between this embodiment and which is shown in FIG. 10
is that: The system further includes an elevating device 1700 to elevate
the range finder 1100 with respect to the tool holder 1300. In other
words, the elevating device 1700 lifts up the range finder 1100 to
different level heights. Stated differently, the stator 1400 has an axial
direction A, and the elevating device 1700 can move the range finder 1100
along the axial direction A of the stator 1400.

[0053] The elevating device 1700 and the range finder 1100 are disposed on
the stator 1400. The range finder 1100 is a laser range finder that
outputs a digital signal based on whether the laser beam emitted by the
range finder 1100 is blocked when the range finder 1100 is located on a
predetermined level height. The deficiency determination unit 1010 can
determine the deficiency of the tool T based on the digital signal. For
example, the range finder 1100 can output a high level voltage when the
laser beam is blocked by the tool T. The range finder 1100 can output a
low level voltage when the laser beam is not blocked by the tool T.
Therefore, the deficiency determination unit 1010 can determine the
deficiency of the tool T based on whether the laser beam is blocked by
the tool T when the range finder 1100 is located on a predetermined level
height.

[0054] In some embodiments, the range finder 1100 emits the laser beam to
the tool T substantially along the radial direction R of the stator 1400,
and the range finder 1100 is further movable along the axial direction A
of the stator 1400. Therefore, the height of the tool T can be detected.
When the detected height of the tool T is reduced compared to a
predetermined height stored in the storage 1030, the tool T is determined
as a deficient tool T. For example, if the laser beam is not blocked when
the range finder 1100 is lifted to the predetermined level height on
which the laser beam is expected as blocked, the tool T is determined as
a deficient tool T. In some embodiments, the elevating device 1700 and
the range finder 1100 that outputs the digital signal based on whether
the laser beam is blocked when the range finder 1100 is elevated to the
predetermined level height can be disposed on the rotor 1600 as shown in
FIG. 11.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
The main difference between this embodiment and which is shown in FIG. 10
is that: the system includes a stator 1400a surrounded by the tool holder
1300. In a greater detail, the tool holder 1300 is an annular structure
that surrounds the stator 1400a. The stator 1400a may include a fixture
1410a and a disk 1420a. The fixture 1410a is fixed on the disk 1420a. The
disk 1420a is surrounded by the tool holder 1300. The range finder 1100
is fixed on the fixture 1410a. As such, the range finder 1100 is
stationary with respect to the stator 1400a and is surrounded by the tool
holder 1300. The range finder 1100 can output an analog signal based on
the distance between the range finder 1100 and the tool T when the tool
holder 1300 rotates. In some embodiments, the elevating device 1700 and
the range finder 1100 that outputs the digital signal based on whether
the laser beam is blocked when the range finder 1100 is elevated to the
predetermined level height can be disposed on the disk 1420a of the
stator 1400a.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
The main difference between this embodiment and which is shown in FIG. 14
is that: the system includes a rotor 1600a surrounded by the tool holder
1300. The range finder 1100 is stationary with respect to the rotor
1600a. The rotor 1600a is electrically connected to the rotation
controller 1500a and can rotate under control the rotation controller
1500a, so that the rotor 1600a is rotatable with respect to the tool
holder 1300. The fixture 1610a is fixed on the disk 1620a of the rotor
1600a, and the range finder 1100 is fixed on the fixture 1610a. The range
finder 1100 can output an analog signal based on the distance between the
range finder 1100 and the tool T when the tool holder 1300 rotates. In
some embodiments, the elevating device 1700 and the range finder 1100
that outputs the digital signal based on whether the laser beam is
blocked when the range finder 1100 is elevated to the predetermined level
height can be disposed on the disk 1620a of the rotor 1600a.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a main difference between this embodiment and which is shown in FIG.
10 is that: the laser source 1110a of the range finder 1100a emits a
laser beam substantially along the axial direction A of the stator 1400.
Therefore, the range finder 1100a may measure the distance between the
range finder 1100a and the tool T along the axial direction A to
determine the deficiency of the tool T. In some embodiments, a portion of
the range finder 1100a is located above the tool holder 1300, so that the
laser source 1110a can be located above the tool T. For example, the
range finder 1100a outputs an analog signal based on the distance between
the range finder 1100a and the tool T along the axial direction A. In
some embodiments, the range finder 1100a is disposed on the annular rotor
1600 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0058] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a system of detecting a deficiency
of a tool T in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
The main difference between this embodiment and which is shown in FIG. 15
is that: the system includes a stator 1400a surrounded by the tool holder
1300. In a greater detail, the tool holder 1300 is an annular structure
that surrounds the stator 1400a. The stator 1400a may include a fixture
1410a and a disk 1420a. The fixture 1410a is fixed on the disk 1420a. The
disk 1420a is surrounded by the tool holder 1300. The range finder 1100a
is fixed on the fixture 1410a. As such, the range finder 1100a is
stationary with respect to the stator 1400a and is surrounded by the tool
holder 1300. A portion of the range finder 1100a is located above the
outer tool holder 130, so as to measure the distance between the range
finder 1100a and the tool T along the axial direction A to determine the
deficiency of the tool T. In some embodiments, the range finder 1100a is
disposed on the disk-shaped rotor 1600a as shown in FIG. 14.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described in considerable
detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments
are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims
should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained
herein.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present
invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In
view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover
modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within
the scope of the following claims.